Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has defended Donny van de Beek's lack of game time, highlighting the competition for places in his team.
The Netherlands international, 24, completed a loan move to Everton on deadline day and is hoping to play regularly before he returns to Old Trafford in the summer.
Much was expected of Van de Beek when he joined United from Ajax in September 2020, yet he's made just four Premier League starts since his arrival in England.
None of those have come under Rangnick since his appointment in November, as the midfielder struggled to get ahead of Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic.
Despite barely playing him, the German still believes Van de Beek has a future at United.
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"In the end, it’s a question of competition," explained Rangnick when asked about the Dutchman's omission.
"Like Paul Pogba, I see him in the centre of midfield as one of the 6 or 8 positions and we have quite a few other good players in those positions, therefore he didn’t get much game-time.
"But that doesn’t mean he’s not good enough for the Premier League or Manchester United.
"I’m pretty sure that he will get his game-time at Everton and show what kind of quality he can be.
"He’s a fantastic person and in the last nine or 10 weeks when I got to know him I’m fully aware he’s a fantastic team player and I wish him all the very best.
"I was in contact with him and wish him all the best for the next months at Everton."
Van de Beek is hoping to prove himself as a Premier League player over the coming months and force his way into Louis van Gaal's squad for this year's World Cup in Qatar.
And Everton need him to do well. The Toffees are just four points clear of the relegation zone, a gap that will be cut if Newcastle beat them on Tuesday, February 8.
"Now I can say I am an Everton player, I am really happy and can't wait to help the team," said Van de Beek on completing the move.
"I think it is a great club. There are really good players here and I came because I want to help them go up the table.
"I hope to bring my football qualities, my passing, and, of course, scoring goals. It is a big part of my game to score and give assists and I will try to do that again.
"And it is not only offensive, you have to defend as a midfielder and I can do that as well."
On working with new Everton manager Frank Lampard, Van de Beek added: "I can learn a lot from him because he was a little bit in the same position - a midfield player who scored a lot of goals.
"He can help me a lot, so I think I'm in a good spot. I want to improve with Everton. There are always things that can be better and I work hard every day to do that."
